Welcome to BlackPast 3.0

The wait is over—the new BlackPast.org is officially live! We’ve redesigned our site to bring you a modern, user-friendly experience that makes exploring Black history easier and more engaging than ever.

BlackPast is dedicated to providing reliable information on the history of Black people across the globe, and especially in North America. Our goal is to promote greater understanding of our common human experience through knowledge of the diversity of the Black experience and the ubiquity of the global Black presence. Welcome to the largest online encyclopedia on African American and Global African history on the Internet.

In Defense of Black History

This editorial page is part of an ongoing effort to present the ideas and opinions of individuals both within and beyond BlackPast.org that address the pressing issues and challenges facing African Americans and people of African Ancestry around the world, which are rooted in their historical experiences.

Featured Article

Shirley Chisholm was a true trailblazer. As the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to run for president, she broke through barriers and fought for change in ways that still resonate today. Find out more about her incredible legacy by visting her BlackPast article.

The Interactive African American History Timeline

Discover the rich and inspiring stories of Black history through our interactive timeline, highlighting key moments and figures that have shaped our world. Dive in and explore how history connects to the present and inspires the future!

The African Capitals

Africa’s capitals are full of life, history, and culture. From the energy of Lagos to the charm of Cairo, each city has its own story to tell. Discover what makes these places special on our African Capitals page.

What’s New on BlackPast?

Map Showing Bantu Expansion (Pinterest.co.uk)

The Role of the Bantu-Speakers in the Spread of Agriculture Across Africa

The Bantu-speaking populations of Western Africa consist of a diverse group of over 500 distinct...
Zumbi of Palmares (sandraaappiah)

Zumbi dos Palmares (1655-1695)

Zumbi dos Palmares was a Brazilian Quilombola leader of a group of Afro-Brazilians who lived in...
Wes Coleman (Courtesy of Wes Coleman)

Wesley “Wes” Coleman (1950- )

Wesley Coleman, corporate leader and Past Grand Sire Archon of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, was born...

Explore More On BlackPast

Photo of Keenen Ivory Wayans in a suit smiling as he looks at the camera

Keenen Ivory Wayans (1958- )

Keenen Ivory Wayans is a filmmaker, actor, and comedian best known for his comedic satire and for...

Sonya Massey (1988-2024)

Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old African American woman was shot and killed in her home in Woodside...
Cedric Glover (Wikipedia)

Cedric Bradford Glover (1965- )

Cederic Bradford Glover is an American politician who became the first African American mayor of...

Pharoah Narmer (??—??)

Pharoah Narmer was the Egyptian monarch credited with uniting Upper and Lower Egypt in 3100 BCE...

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